Description
#thepitch&juliareidy #vinyl #vinylrecords
Get ready to be blown away once again by the incredible talents of Julia Reidy as she joins forces with Berlin-based quartet The Pitch. Combining Reidy’s unique xenharmonic tones with the sparse touches of vibraphone, clarinet, double bass, and electronics from The Pitch, this collaboration is a dizzying display of unconventional harmony and cosmic jazz. It’s like a fusion of the dark atmospheric sound of Bohren & der Club of Gore with the experimental compositions of Glenn Branca.
Julia Reidy has consistently impressed us with her previous releases, and ‘Neutral Star’ only strengthens our obsession. Recorded live in one take by Rebih Beaini at the Morphine Raum studio, this album is a technical marvel that manages to sound deep and layered even without any overdubs. The Pitch, consisting of Boris Baltschun, Koen Nutters, Michael Thieke, and Morten Joh, have been playing together since 2009, honing their ability to blend acoustic improvisation with hypnotic electronics. With Reidy on board, they transport us to a parallel universe where their music is both familiar and strangely exotic. Reidy’s passion for non-standard tunings is evident as they expertly orchestrate the open-ended compositions.
The opening track, ‘Endless ≠ Limitless,’ originated as a tape-delay-based piece written by Reidy and Joh. On this album, it transforms into a smoky, decelerated cabaret piece, with haunting double bass plucks providing the foundation. Sporadic vibraphone tones and woodwind blasts contribute to the ethereal atmosphere. The track stretches out over nearly 25 minutes, maintaining its enigmatic, Lynchian mood and allowing Reidy to showcase their twangy guitar style when appropriate. On the flip side, the title track takes a more nebulous approach, with Reidy introducing subtle fingertaps to a high-pitched clarinet fanfare reminiscent of distant storm winds. The jazzy vibes of the first track give way to shadowy drones and experimental xenharmonic flourishes. It becomes challenging to differentiate between the electronic and acoustic elements, adding to the album’s intrigue.
‘Neutral Star’ is a subtly atmospheric album that subverts the sultry and evocative tones of film music, avoiding clichés and melodrama. It offers a unique and immersive listening experience that is highly recommended. Fans of artists such as Bohren & der Club of Gore and Glenn Branca will undoubtedly find this collaboration enthralling.